For the first time since 2019, the Events Center opened its doors to the largest recruiting
event of the year: the Fall Job and Internship Fair. On Wednesday, Sept. 21, waves
of students trekked across campus clad in business attire. With resumes in hand, they
geared up to network with employers and learn about new opportunities in a variety
of industries including engineering, business, nonprofits, healthcare, technology,
education, government organizations, and more.
A total of 130 for-profit, government and nonprofit organizations met with nearly 1,800 students to discuss full-time employment and internship opportunities. For some, this was the culmination of weeks of preparation. Many students visited the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development for resume critiques and to practice their elevator pitches before the fair. One such student, Brianna Sexton, a junior majoring in actuarial science, found confidence from preparing at the Fleishman Center.
“Going to the Fleishman Center several times beforehand helped me calm my nerves and have a better presentation of myself,” Sexton said.
For other students, the Job and Internship Fair was a chance to casually stop in and explore different companies and organizations. Students unsure of their major or career interests used the fair as a learning opportunity, and the attending organizations encouraged this.
Kajsa Kenney, also an actuarial science student, noted the inviting atmosphere at the fair. Many companies will take copies of students’ resumes and give students contact information and advice regarding employment.
“I’ve actually never been to a career fair, so this is my first one,” Kenney said. “Everyone’s been nice and has given us business cards and general advice, which I wasn’t really expecting. I’m [eager] to move forward from here.”
The Job and Internship Fair drew students of all majors and class years, such as Ryan Arnold, a senior majoring in graphic design. For Arnold, this career fair was the first they’d attended. Arnold noted the “good vibe all around” and will follow up on opportunities for future job positions.
Other students with more specific goals made themselves known to recruiters, and found
their niche among the variety of attending organizations. Ben Franco, a junior majoring
in economics, had an eye on consulting in the service industry or for small businesses.
Franco noted that speaking with different representatives helped him find companies
with goals that aligned with his own.
“I’ve gotten a sense of what different companies can provide, especially the larger ones, because they can let me branch into different areas,” Franco said. “I’m looking for an internship, and hopefully I’ll be able to draw on the network [I built today] when applying.”
Two days after the in-person Job and Internship Fair, the Virtual Job and Internship Fair took place over Handshake as a more flexible and accessible online alternative. The virtual fair format had its own advantages, as companies from across the country were able to take part, as well as any company unable to travel to Binghamton for the in-person fair. More earnest students who attended the virtual fair had the added advantage of setting up individual meetings, ensuring the opportunity to speak with specific employers that piqued their interest.
Any student interested in learning about opportunities in a variety of employment sectors or simply seeking guidance on what interests them is encouraged to stop into the Fleishman Center in UU133 before the next Job and Internship Fair in spring 2023. The Fleishman Center is a free resource to help you gain confidence and clarity in your educational and career path.
by Erin Zipman
